President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has appointed his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, as White House Chief of Staff, marking the first time in U.S. history a woman has held the position. Wiles, who played a key role in Trump’s victories in both the 2016 and 2020 campaigns, is widely regarded as one of the most effective strategists in Republican politics.
“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history and was an integral part of both my successful campaigns,” Trump said in a statement. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
President Donald J. Trump Announces Susan Summerall Wiles as White House Chief of Staff pic.twitter.com/rzU3Zj6d0j
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) November 7, 2024
Wiles, 67, joins the ranks of Kellyanne Conway as one of only two women to have successfully managed a presidential campaign, a testament to her experience and skill. Her appointment was met with widespread praise from Trump’s supporters and political analysts.
CNN political analyst Scott Jennings lauded Trump’s choice, calling it “a great pick.” Jennings noted, “What was said in the statement is absolutely true. She’s universally respected in the party. The organization of the campaign and the fact that he stuck with the leadership team all the way through is a testament to just what a great job she did.”
Jennings continued, “Being the first female Chief of Staff in the White House is a huge milestone for both President Trump and the Republican Party. If she brings the same discipline and organization to the White House as she did in the campaign, Trump has a strong chance to hit the ground running and start achieving objectives right away.”
.@ScottJenningsKY reacting to @realDonaldTrump naming Susie Wiles (@susie57) as White House chief of staff:
“Oh, great pick. I think what was said in the statement is absolutely true. She’s universally respected in the party. The organization of the campaign and the fact that… pic.twitter.com/jU4jWJBOI6
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) November 7, 2024
Dr. Ben Carson, former neurosurgeon and Trump administration official, echoed the praise. “As someone who has worked with Susie Wiles firsthand, I have the utmost respect for her and commend the President for this fantastic Chief of Staff selection,” Carson said. “Aside from being a phenomenal person, she is a decisive leader who will work daily to execute the President’s priorities and deliver results for the American people.”
As someone who has worked with Susie Wiles firsthand, I have the utmost respect for her and commend the President for this fantastic Chief of Staff selection.
Aside from being a phenomenal person, she is a decisive leader who will work daily to execute the President’s… pic.twitter.com/ttPNrE7KZE
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) November 7, 2024
Wiles’ appointment signals a new chapter for Trump’s administration, as she steps into a pivotal role with a reputation for effective management and strategic leadership. Her supporters believe she will bring the same level of focus and tenacity to the White House as she did on the campaign trail, setting the stage for a strong start to Trump’s second term.
Additional GOP Responses
Susie Wiles is a great choice for President Trump’s Chief of Staff
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) November 7, 2024
Susie Wiles is an outstanding choice for chief of staff—congratulations to @realDonaldTrump and Susie!
— Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) November 7, 2024